Durham Johnson School Buildings

Overview

Location: Durham, UK

Client: Gleeson Construction Ltd.

Scope: Design & Install Post-Tensioning

The initial design for Durham Johnston School was developed by Consulting Engineer Arup as a traditionally reinforced concrete flat slab, with down stand beams and thickenings in certain areas. The building has three levels totalling just under 8,000m2,

To improve the performance of the concrete slabs, post tensioning was introduced, which resulting in thinner sections whilst also enabling us to omit several columns and beams. The loadings were 4.0kN/m2 live load and 1.5kN/m2 super-imposed dead load for levels one and two, with the roof having a 1.5kN/m2 live load and 3.5kN/m2 superimposed dead load.

In addition, the acoustic and dynamic performance afforded by the post-tensioned slabs is superb. Structural Systems have undertaken the detailed design of the post-tensioning using the 405 bonded flat duct tendon system.

The development is a new breed of eco-logically friendly schools in that it has a biomass wood burning boiler and the rain water is harvested and used to flush the toilets.